Tips for New Students

If you face problems in your studies, do not hesitate to ask for help from professors, GSIs or TAs. It is better to get help rather than to suffer in silence. If you have a problem in writing, then get help from the Sweetland Writing Center.
--Chin-Swan Liew, Math

I would explain that it is alright to change your schedule once school has started. I thought, as well as many other freshmen, that my schedule was set-in-stone after orientation. I was intimidated by Wolverine Access and thought that it would be too difficult to switch into another course once classes had begun. I do not think that many freshmen realize that it is perfectly fine to switch your schedule around. If you feel that a certain class is not right for you after several sessions, it is not a problem to switch.
--Aimee Leyton, Biology

I wish I had thoroughly explored the LSA Course Guide to get an idea of the many interesting courses offered. Now, with only four semesters left, I see and hear about so many amazing courses that I wish I could take. Trying something new and taking a risk is always rewarding, even if the outcomes do not come out as intended.
--Rachel Lederman, Sociology

A piece of wisdom I wish I could share would be to relax. I stressed myself out over some of my classes because I was used to being one of the best in everything. After a few semesters, I was able to accept the fact that I would just be average in a lot of classes and I saved myself a lot of stress as a result.
--Brad Dupay, Psychology and Teaching Certification

Be proactive. This is a large school with tons of resources, but you have to go out and do the leg work and make opportunities for yourself.
--Claire Friedman, Biopsychology

It wasn’t until after my first round of midterms when I, exhausted from midterms and wondering where all my free time had gone, realized that my time management skills needed reorganizing. At this point I learned to allot sufficient time for study, as well as for resting, exercise, and hanging out with friends in order to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
--Androni Henry, Environmental Geosciences and Women’s Studies

I would like to share with students the importance of taking classes that they like, rather than what I did which was to try to finish my requirements in the first year. It is important to realize how much time we have to get everything completed and really explore the possibilities of an LSA education.
--Carlie DeBuysscher, German and RC “Arts and Ideas”

Get to know people. Joining student organizations is a great way to meet people and participate on campus in a meaningful way. Starting study groups helps you to meet students from class that you wouldn’t otherwise talk to and also give you the opportunity to study with other people who may understand the material you don’t.
--Nerissa Germain, Biopsychology

Go to office hours. For my first few semesters here, I was afraid to attend office hours because I thought they were only for students who were having troubles writing their papers or studying for exams. Then, I discovered that even when I knew exactly what I wanted to explore in my writings, the professors were an excellent resource for me to really strengthen my argument and gain additional support.
--Niamh Slevin, English and Communications

Take advantage of resources on campus. Students can utilize the Advising Center for recommendations on classes and everyone should try to get familiar with the library system.
--Brantley Carlson, Biochemistry

Consider doing things that are a bit out of the ordinary: maybe a study abroad, or pick up a new sport, or simply a swing-dance mini-course. These things really brighten up your university life and make it unique and memorable.
--Yevgeniya (Jane) Kleyman, Economics and Statistics

Talk to professors. A personal relationship with a member of the faculty was what I missed during my first few semesters. It seems that there is no reason to not go talk to a professor, even if it is only for a few minutes every couple of weeks.
--Michael Gentile, Economics and History

Coming to the University with an open mind in regards to classes, concentrations, and careers is probably the most important thing I could recommend to a new student. In my opinion it took me far too long to find what I was truly passionate about because I was extremely hesitant in taking classes that did not apply directly to my then current career goals.
--Ross Jensen, Political Science and Philosophy